President Donald Trump made an unprecedented move today when he announced a dramatic expansion of federal authority: placing Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under federal jurisdiction and sending 800 National Guard troops into the capital under an unprecedented “public safety emergency”. Despite crime rates being at historic lows, TIME Reuters reports.
Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to declare a national emergency, giving him authority to federalize Washington D.C. police force for up to 30 days unless Congress gives their permission otherwise. According to TIME and Wikipedia, Trump also stated a desire to extend federal control further by declaring an extension would occur until further notice from Congress or an extension from outside entities is authorized by law.
Attorney General Pam Bondi was named to oversee the police department, with DEA Administrator Terry Cole acting as interim commissioner. To read more on this topic, check Indiatimes (+14) TIME (+10) Wall Street Journal (+10) (-2).
At a press conference, President Trump painted Washington D.C. as being riddled with crime despite official data showing an 26% reduction in violent crime compared to last year and an all-time low overall, per the Reuters and Guardian analysis (+14 for both sources).
Trump appeared unmoved by these numbers, cautioning that similar federal interventions might occur in New York, Baltimore and Oakland. The Guardian +9 TIME +9 New York Post.
DC National Guard troops report directly to President Obama due to DC’s unique status and will be present in city streets to support law enforcement efforts, according to The New York Post and The Washington Post (+1 in each).
Trump did not rule out further military involvement, saying troops would remain “if necessary.” Its People.com reported.
Reactions to this move were swift and controversial. Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser strongly condemned it as being “unsettling and unprecedented”, warning that using military forces against U.S. citizens on American soil undermined home rule in her city. TIME reported this incident.
According to The Daily Beast, D.C. Council members condemned the move as unnecessary and politically motivated, emphasizing the role local police–who have already decreased crime–should play in leading safety initiatives. Wikipedia + 15 Washington Post+ 15 | Wall Street Journal
Legal experts raised concerns over the constitutionality of detaining residents, questioning if President Obama is circumventing the Posse Comitatus Act which regulates military involvement in domestic law enforcement, or militarizing American cities altogether. The Washington Post +6 The Daily Beast +6 TIME +6 Key Facts at a Glance:
Timeline: On August 11th 2025, President Roosevelt declared an emergency and activated the Guard.
Scope of Controversy: Federal control over D.C. police for up to 30 days is being ordered by Courtney.
Troop Deployment: 800 Guard members, with 100-200 on patrol daily according to The Washington Post (+5), Time, and Wikipedia (+1).
Leadership: Attorney General Pam Bondi will assume oversight; Terry Cole was named interim police commissioner. Al Jazeera +8, Wall Street Journal +8 and New York Post +8 all reported these developments.
Crime Context: Crime rates have seen a steady decrease, undercutting justifications for emergency measures and making an end-run around emergency regulations more tenable. The Washington Post +3 Associated Press News + Indiatimes both support this assertion.
As this operation unfolds, Washington D.C. – an autonomous city without statehood–will witness an unprecedented display of federal police power, reigniting debate about civil liberties and security against constitutional rights.